Where do you go to Scream?

My Take on the Stresses of Remote Work

Working from home, freelancing, and solopreneurship are increasingly common, and so the question of how we manage stress has become more relevant than ever. Without the natural pauses and social outlets of an office environment, many of us struggle to find ways to decompress and let off steam.

As someone who identifies as more introverted, I have noticed that my stress management habits have shifted since leaving a traditional office setting. Back then, my team(s) could always tell when I was disappointed, frustrated, or annoyed. They’d say things like, “We know when something’s wrong because you either go quiet or disappear for a walk with your headphones on.”

Truthfully, they were right. Those walks, accompanied by music (shoutout to Green Day’s 21 Guns, my go-to track when I’m angry), became my coping mechanism. And sometimes, I’d even walk to The Marriott for a green tea, 20 minutes of peace, and some much-needed reflection.

But now, working remotely, I’ve had to rethink my approach. Without colleagues to pick up on my mood shifts or a physical space to escape to, it’s been a journey of trial and error to find new ways to manage the inevitable stresses of working alone.

Why Introverts (and Extroverts) Experience Stress Differently

One thing I’ve noticed—and research supports this—is that introverts tend to cope better with the isolation of remote work. That’s not to say we don’t get stressed, but our expectations for social interaction are naturally lower. We’re more likely to recharge through solitary or low-stimulation activities.

Extroverts, on the other hand, thrive on social connection. They often struggle more with the isolation that comes with remote or freelance work because their primary way of dealing with stress is through interaction—whether that’s chatting with colleagues or engaging in group activities. For extroverts, it’s essential to intentionally build those connections into their day, even if it’s just a quick virtual coffee break.

5 Stress-Relief Activities That Might Help

Whether you’re introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, finding ways to release tension is crucial. Here are five activities that have helped me, supported by research and metrics, to manage those moments when work feels overwhelming:

1. Walking A simple walk can do wonders for your mental clarity. Research shows that even a 10-minute walk can boost mood and lower cortisol (the stress hormone). For me, it’s as much about the movement as it is the music I listen to—sometimes Green Day, sometimes something more soothing.
2. Listening to Music Music is a powerful emotional outlet. Studies reveal that listening to music can reduce cortisol by up to 61%. Interestingly, even intense genres like punk rock or heavy metal can help process anger constructively. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, put on your favourite track and let it work its magic.
3. Journaling or Reflecting Over Tea Whether it’s writing down your thoughts or finding a quiet place to reflect, these moments of stillness are invaluable. For me, a cup of green tea at The Marriott was my sanctuary—a small ritual that gave me the space to process my emotions and reset.
4. Swimming or Physical Exercise Physical activity, particularly swimming, is known for its stress-relieving benefits. The rhythmic nature of swimming can be meditative, while the endorphin release from exercise, in general, acts as a natural mood booster.
5. Screaming (Yes, Really!) Sometimes, you just need to let it out. Whether it’s screaming into a pillow, in the privacy of your car, or even in a soundproof room, vocal release can be incredibly cathartic. It’s not for everyone, but for those who feel physically weighed down by stress, it’s worth trying.

Finding Your Personal Outlet

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that stress relief isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for me—walking, music, green tea—might not work for you, and that’s okay. It’s about experimenting with different techniques until you find what resonates.

For introverts, solitary activities like journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in silence can be incredibly effective. For extroverts, seeking out virtual communities, scheduling regular video calls, or taking group fitness classes might be more helpful. Remote work has stripped away the natural buffers we once had—daily commutes, spontaneous chats with colleagues, even the physical separation between work and home.

But with a little creativity and self-awareness, we can find new ways to manage the pressure. So, where do you go to scream? Or, in my case, to walk, reflect, and listen to Green Day on repeat? Let me know in the comments—I’m always curious to hear how others are navigating the ups and downs of modern work life.

“Do you know what’s worth fighting for, when it’s not worth dying for?”

That line from 21 Guns still resonates with me. It’s a reminder that even when emotions run high, there’s always a way to channel them into something productive—and maybe even find a little peace along the way.

#RemoteWork #MentalHealth #StressRelief #Introverts #GreenDay